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Old 01-24-2008, 04:49 PM   #1
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alternative to PEX crimpers?

I was looking at PEX tubing at Lowes, it sure looks like it can simplify the plumbing in a bus. But.....is there an alternative to the $83 crimping pliers? That would steer me away from it.

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Old 01-24-2008, 06:08 PM   #2
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

My local (b)Lowe's has threaded fittings with seals that I am using on my pex. I haven't had any leaks yet, knock wood (*raps knuckles on head*).

I realize it's kind of hard to see them in this shot, but if you look to the left of the toilet, you can see a "tee" fitting that uses them on the "through" legs:
http://thewhiteelephantstale.com/ima...lav/lav002.jpg
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Old 01-24-2008, 06:17 PM   #3
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

I can't quite see them. I did see some push-on fittings at Lowes that would be great if they weren't $5+ each! It looks like good old PVC might be the ticket on this one.
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Old 01-24-2008, 08:06 PM   #4
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

I haven't tried it myself, but a senior member on the MAK board found that the appropriately sized (1/2" or 3/4") electrical crimpers worked well and that he had no leaks on any of the connections made with them. He found them at a pawn shop for $15 (I've seen them at flee markets for about that). He said the crimp heads were identical to pex crimpers even when compared using a micrometer. And the electrical crimpers had longer handles making them easier on the hands.
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Old 01-25-2008, 03:25 PM   #5
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

I was told those work great also, but I just have a hard time paying that much for one fitting, that could add up fast.
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Old 01-27-2008, 08:29 PM   #6
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

hey ya'll.

i've got the yankee tool pex crimper and it rocks. does 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 and only costs about $40.

http://pexcrimper.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/

i wouldn't use anything but pex crimp rings for pex tubing, but maybe that's just me. those push fittings make me nervous. in my county no type of push connector is approved for in wall applications.

also, check your local plumbing supply store rather than lowes...you'll find the price of rings and fittings to be about 1/3 the cost of lowes.
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Old 01-27-2008, 09:26 PM   #7
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

Cool tool, blueindian.
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Old 01-27-2008, 10:10 PM   #8
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

ive never seen that before but i sure like it thanks blue indian i lkie that it still needs your standard vise grips to work
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Old 01-27-2008, 10:28 PM   #9
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

I've used the sharkbite style fittings a couple times on PEX in mobile homes. It works slick. I like the screw together kind from the RV shop better, but they're about $11 each.
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Old 01-28-2008, 10:24 AM   #10
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

Hi-

We used the Flair-It fittings on the 1/2" PEX tubing that comprises our plumbing system. Probably 16 or so in total, used in both hot & cold, also in pressurized & unpressurized portions of the system. Zero problems in 1.5 years of full-time use. I like not having another tool taking up space.

HTH,
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Old 02-11-2008, 09:56 PM   #11
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

some plumbing stores will rent out crimpers for cheap. all you'll need to do is put down a damage/theft deposit and it will be returned to you when you bring it back
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Old 02-11-2008, 10:59 PM   #12
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?


A local plumbing supply store just told me that PEX varies in diameter by brand, so this may be a factor for the push-together fittings. What he showed me were short lengths of thick stiff PEX, maybe five feet long, versus long coiled-up PEX that is more flexible but thinner, and the shark bites may not get a good enough grip. These were both labled 1/2 ". Sound right?
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Old 02-12-2008, 07:25 PM   #13
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

I used the shark bite fittings from HD...Very happy with the results..Little pricey,,But for speed and easy no leak conections its the way to go...Oh dont forget the fitting release tool screw up and you cant pull it apart..its about 79cents and worth every pennie....
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Old 02-12-2008, 10:39 PM   #14
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Re: alternative to PEX crimpers?

Well I solved the same predicament by buying the tool then returning it. I couldn't find one to rent around here and yeah they're just too expensive.
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